Q. What is the difference between a Personal Chef and a Private Chef?
A. Private Chef is employed by one individual or family full time and is often “live in” and prepares three meals a day. A Personal Chef serves several clients, usually one per day, and provides multiple meals that are custom designed for the clients’ particular requests and dietary requirements. These meals are packaged and stored so the client may enjoy them at their leisure in the future.

Q. What are the benefits of having a personal chef?
A. It has become the trend for both partners to be working in a household these days. What often suffers is the quality time at the dinner table. Catching up with each other's busy lives over fast food or even restaurant dining can get old. Having a personal chef allows you to sit down, take a breath and enjoy a fulfilling meal in the privacy of your own home.

Q. Do you cook in my kitchen?
A. Yes, I do prepare your meals in the safety of your own kitchen. Health department regulations do not permit me to prepare any of your meals in my own kitchen. I am not a large event caterer, and currently do not have access to a commercially licensed kitchen, so the size of the events I can handle is limited to what can be reasonably accommodated and prepared in your kitchen. One of the reasons I visit your home before the first cooking day is to assess the kitchen and note how many burners are functional, etc. On our agreed upon cooking day I bring the fresh ingredients for your meals along with pots, pans and utensils, and prepare your meals on site.

Q. How long will you be at my house cooking?
A. It usually takes 4-7 hours to actually cook, cool and store the meals in your home, depending on the meal package selected. My time spent planning, grocery shopping, etc. is usually about three hours longer than the actual cooking time.

Q. What type of meals do you prepare? Can I choose the menu?
A. At our initial meeting we will discuss your likes, dislikes and any dietary needs you may have. This will allow us to customize your menu. You can choose your menu selection from our extensive menu or if you prefer we will choose the menu for you and send a copy of our selection for your approval a few days before your scheduled cook date.
From comfort to elegant entrees, a wide range of menu selections are available and we will also prepare any of your own favorite recipes.
In addition to preparing the all American favorites, I have experience with some special dietary needs; e.g., low fat, vegetarian, diabetic cooking.

Q. Do I pay ahead for each cooking date? Are groceries included? How far in advance can I schedule?
A. It is customary to pay at least a week in advance of the cooking date. My services do not include the cost of groceries which allows you maximum flexibility in choosing menu items. I will estimate the cost of the groceries based on your menu selections and require a deposit for groceries, in addition to my fee, in advance of your cook date. The cost for containers will be included in your grocery fee. Note that many of the disposable containers can in fact be reused several times.
You may schedule up to 3 months in advance. However, if I have any openings, I am happy to schedule on short notice.

Q. Can I afford it?
A. Absolutely! When you add up the time and money spent on planning, shopping, cooking and clean up, the price can be quite affordable- not to mention the other benefits you may experience when you begin to devote that time and energy to other pursuits! The cost per meal is comparable to eating at a nice restaurant. However, with our service, you will be getting individually customized meals with your specific dietary requests in mind. You will eat in the comfort of your own home, at your convenience, and will have all the extra time saved to enjoy doing the things you love!

Q. How often will you come to my house to cook? Is it expensive?
A. I can visit weekly, biweekly, monthly, or whatever works best for your family. The minimum basic personal service package I can provide consists of three different entrees with four servings each, or 12 total meals. The rate for this service is $270, plus the cost of groceries and containers. See the sample menu/pricing page for other services and smaller options.

Q. Catering?
A. Imagine having your close friends or family members over for a nice intimate gathering. While you spend the evening laughing and talking to all of your beloved ones, I am in the kitchen creating decadent treats for all of you to devour… I prepare intimate dinner parties for 2–25 people. We sit down and discuss menu options, and then I shop, cook and clean up all while you get to spend quality time with your guests.